Experience the soul of Mississippi live music at two unforgettable stops—Ground Zero Blues Club Biloxi and Hey Joe’s in Cleveland. From bluesy catfish po’boys to burgers with a beat, these venues dish out Southern flavor, legendary sounds, and local charm in every bite and every note.
Ground Zero Blues Club
Biloxi
Since 2022, Ground Zero Blues Club’s second location has brought a powerful new energy to Biloxi’s music scene and revived the spirit of Howard Street. Housed in the historic Kress Building just steps away from the city’s casino resorts, waterfront restaurants, and museums, the venue was transformed to host the best of the blues and launch visitors into a different era. The soul of Biloxi is reflected in the venue’s design. Moody velvet drapes flow across the stage, and red-and-blue lighting sets the tone for artists. The exterior of the venue features illustrations of famous musicians at iconic locations in Mississippi blues history, and the interior walls are adorned with unique memorabilia such as concert posters, ticket stubs and instruments, paying tribute to the history of the region. The stage has already hosted some of the best in the business, including Grammy Award-winning blues phenom Christone “Kingfish” Ingram—but it’s not just the music that draws a crowd. The menu is stacked with Southern comfort food favorites. Scarf down a catfish po’boy, wash it down with an ice-cold “drank,” and don’t leave without a bite of Mawmaw’s banana pudding.
Backstage Pass
Fast Facts on Ground Zero Blues Club
- The original Ground Zero Blues Club is located in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
- Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman co-owns both venues.
- On New Year’s Eve 2024, Morgan Freeman joined Al Green on stage for a memorable duet of “Let’s Stay Together” at the original Clarksdale location.
Hey Joe’s
Cleveland
Since 2009, Hey Joe’s has been a pillar in Cleveland, serving up three essentials: great food, craft beer, and original live music. With walls decked out in old-school records, neon lights, and vintage posters, the venue exudes rock ’n’ roll energy. Featuring both indoor and outdoor stages, it’s a go-to spot for music lovers, foodies, and beer enthusiasts. The menu is just as legendary as the music, with crowd favorites like crispy chicken wings, the Kevin bacon burger, and the chicken bacon ranch club wrap. The rotating burger of the month keeps things fresh, and with every purchase, $1 is donated to a designated charity, making each bite a good deed. Grab a pint of Cleveland’s finest craft beer and enjoy live music from local legends like the Tuesday Night Pickers or The Weeks. Beyond the music, Hey Joe’s keeps the good times rolling with trivia nights and weekly “Wayne Knight” football watch parties.
Backstage Pass
Fast Facts on Hey Joe’s
- Hey Joe’s partners with the nonprofit Keep Cleveland Boring, an organization dedicated to supporting local arts, music, and culture.
- Hey Joe’s has a second spot in Merigold, bringing its signature mix of food, music, and community to even more travelers.
- The venue is just a stone’s throw from the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, the first GRAMMY Museum built outside Los Angeles.
Plan your Mississippi music adventure at VisitMississippi.org.
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